OJ Hanssen Proves He Has What It Takes...
Country
music is universal. You don't have to look too hard on any European country music
chart to see names you'll recognize. Legendary artists such as Charlie Pride,
Ernie Ashworth, and Dale Watson have known for a long time that Europeans love 'real' country
music. It was only a matter of time before North America started importing back.
Born about as far from Nashville as you can get, one hour from the Arctic Circle, in Mosjoen, Norway, OJ Hanssen makes the trip across the ocean with his North American debut on RMG records. OJ has already made a name for himself overseas winning three of the ten 1999 European CMA awards he was nominated for: Male Vocalist, Album and Song of the Year. Pointing to influences such as Keith Whitley, Randy Travis, Jim Reeves, Marty Robbins and Gene Watson, OJ recently left an 11 year career as a deputy sheriff in his native Norway to focus on his country music career.
He's a living testimony to the benefits of learning to speak English while singing along to the likes of Buck Owens, Tammy Wynette, Skeeter Davis, and Jim Reeves. "What's It Gonna Take" showcases his compelling vocal ability as well as his commitment to his musical influences.
Traditionalists can't help but hear the persuasion of country music's most memorable legends in this powerful compilation of well written songs. The inspiration of Gene Watson echoes in 'I Don't Do Memories' and 'A Few Old Things', while Bakersfield sound resonates through the touching ' I Didn't See The Angel'.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that OJ Hanssen is another Nashville attempt at image cloning. OJ's managed to absorb his influences and put his own touch. Whether its the catchy country-rock beat of the debut single "What's It Gonna Take' or the rockabilly swing of 'Blind Eddie's Hideaway', OJ bridges the miles across the ocean with a style and presence all of his own.
Co-produced by Barry Beckett (Bob Dylan, Vince Gill, Dire Straits) OJ's North American debut demonstrates, without a doubt remaining, that he's got what it takes. With the current rumblings, bemoaning the cookie-cutter malignancy of country radio, a spin or two from this CD would be like a breath of much needed fresh air.
Laurie Joulie Take Country Back September 2001
Stop in and visit OJ at his official website where you'll be able to view his US debut video 'What's It Gonna Take' as well as listen to sound clips from this great cd!